Wood Privacy Fence Installation in McAllen, TX

Signs a wood privacy fence is the right fit

• You want to block the view into your backyard
• You have dogs that need a fence they can't see through or climb
• Your old fence is leaning, rotting at the base or missing boards
• You want a warm, natural look that matches a wood or brick house

Cedar or pine?

Cedar costs more, but it resists rot and insects better and holds its shape in the heat. It turns a silver-gray color if you leave it unsealed. Pressure-treated pine costs less and lasts well when it's sealed, but it's more likely to twist and crack as it dries in the McAllen sun. Many homeowners go with cedar pickets on pressure-treated or steel posts to get the look of cedar without the post problems.

Board styles

• Side-by-side: boards butt up against each other. Lowest cost, but small gaps open as the wood shrinks.
• Board-on-board: boards overlap, so there are no gaps even after shrinking. Best privacy.
• Shadowbox: boards alternate on each side of the rail. Looks good from both sides, lets a little wind through.
• Top cap and trim: a board along the top that protects the board ends from rain and gives a finished look.

Wood posts or steel posts?

Wood posts are the classic choice, but in South Texas they're the first part of a fence to fail. Termites and moisture work on them right at ground level. Galvanized steel posts with wood panels last much longer and won't rot. Ask your installer to quote both.

What affects the price

Length is the biggest factor, followed by height (6 feet is standard, 8 feet costs more), wood type, board style and the number of gates. Tearing out an old fence and hauling it away adds to the cost. Clay soil or buried roots can make post holes slower to dig.

Keeping a wood fence looking good

Plan to stain or seal a wood fence every two to three years in McAllen. A good penetrating stain slows graying, keeps the boards from drying out and helps them shed water during storms. Keep sprinklers from soaking the same boards every day, and trim plants back so the fence can dry.

Wood fences and HOA rules

A lot of McAllen subdivisions, especially newer ones on the north side, have HOA rules for backyard fences. The most common rules cover height (often six feet), which side of the fence faces out, the color of stain you can use and whether the fence can be seen from the street. Some HOAs require one board style so every fence on the block matches. Before you get quotes, ask your HOA for the fence rules in writing and share them with the installer. It's much easier to build the right fence the first time than to fix it after a violation letter.

Related services in McAllen

• Wrought Iron Fence in McAllen: Steel and ornamental iron fences for front yards, pools and driveways that add security without blocking the view.
• Chain Link Fence in McAllen: Affordable, low-maintenance chain link for backyards, dogs, lots and businesses, with privacy slats if you want them.
• Gates and Gate Openers in McAllen: Walk gates, double gates and automatic driveway gates, including swing and slide gates with electric or solar openers.

Not sure which service you need? Tell us about the job and we'll point you to the right pro.